Venus Williams, a true icon in the world of tennis, recently took a moment to shower Coco Gauff with heartfelt praise while promoting her new book *Strive: 8 Steps to Find Your Awesome* on the *Tamron Hall Show*. During the interview, Williams reflected on Gauff’s journey and the significance of being able to inspire younger generations through their shared experiences on and off the tennis court. It was a touching moment that highlighted not just the athletic prowess of these two stars but the powerful bond and mutual admiration that exists between them.
The conversation took an especially nostalgic turn when a heartwarming image of a young Coco Gauff cheering on Venus at the 2012 US Open was shown on the screen. The image, which had surfaced earlier in the year, became an instant fan favorite online, especially among tennis enthusiasts who saw it as a full-circle moment. Back then, a young Gauff sat in the stands, eyes wide with admiration as she watched her idol play. Fast forward to today, and Gauff is not only competing at the highest levels but has also carved out her place in tennis history by achieving feats reminiscent of her Williams sisters’ role models.
For Gauff, who has often expressed her deep admiration for Venus and Serena Williams, this image holds special significance. Earlier in 2023, after a fan posted the picture on social media, Gauff’s reaction was one of pure joy and disbelief. She took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the image with her followers and wrote, “If this isn’t proof that your dreams are closer than you think then idk what is.” The post captured the essence of Gauff’s journey—how the dream she once had of playing on the same stage as her idols not only came true but exceeded even her wildest expectations.
During the *Tamron Hall Show* interview, Venus Williams was asked about her thoughts on Gauff’s tweet and the broader impact of having inspired a new generation of athletes like Coco. Williams, now 44, was visibly moved by the discussion. She expressed her immense pride and joy in watching Gauff’s rise to the top of the tennis world. “It’s so exciting to see her just like… explode. She is fantastic, and of course, I hope she wins every match,” Williams said, referring to Gauff’s tremendous success.
Venus also took a moment to reflect on the importance of dreaming big, which is one of the central themes of her book *Strive*. She emphasized that while dreaming is essential, the road to success is rarely a straight line. “You have to dream,” she stated. “It doesn’t mean that there won’t be turns all the way of the dream or someday there’s gonna be ups and downs, but as long as you have your north star… you have to dream big.” Her words resonated with the idea that while both she and Gauff may be at different stages of their careers, they are bound by the shared journey of overcoming obstacles to achieve greatness.
A particularly iconic moment in the relationship between the two athletes occurred at Wimbledon in 2019. Then only 15 years old, Gauff shocked the tennis world when she defeated Venus Williams, a five-time Wimbledon champion, in the first round. The match, which lasted just over an hour, ended in straight sets (6-4, 6-4), leaving many in awe of Gauff’s composure and skill. During the post-match press conference, Gauff remained humble despite her stunning victory. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to face off against her idol, saying, “I’m super shocked, but I’m just super blessed that Wimbledon decided to give me the wild card. I mean, I never expected this to happen.”
The admiration between the two players was mutual. Gauff praised Venus not only for her incredible achievements but also for her kindness and support throughout the years. “She’s always been nice the couple times I met her,” Gauff remarked, further cementing the bond of respect that the two have shared throughout Gauff’s young career.
In 2024, Venus Williams has kept a low profile on the tennis circuit as she continues to recover from a knee injury she sustained at Wimbledon in 2023. While her appearances have been limited, including early exits in the Sunshine Double tournaments at Indian Wells and Miami, her legacy remains firmly intact. Meanwhile, Coco Gauff is riding high on her recent successes, including her 2023 US Open title, and is preparing to compete at the prestigious WTA Finals in Riyadh.
As Venus Williams continues to inspire the next generation with her resilience, wisdom, and newly released book, Coco Gauff’s rise to tennis stardom serves as a testament to the power of dreams—and to the lasting influence that legends like Venus have on those who follow in their footsteps. Their relationship is not just one of mentor and mentee but a beautiful illustration of the cyclical nature of inspiration in sports. While Venus may have once been the one receiving the cheers, today, she finds herself cheering on the young star she helped inspire.